Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos Versos La Vitoriana 2022

Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos work old vineyards around Valtuille de Abajo in the Bierzo region of Castilla y León, land farmed by earlier generations of the family. La Vitoriana is built on Mencía with a share of Alicante Bouschet and the white grape Palomino, all picked together from the same parcels under Bierzo's village level classification. The soils here mix slate and clay with quartzite, and the surrounding mountains moderate the Atlantic and continental influences, giving a wide diurnal swing that holds acidity and freshness at a moderate 13.5 percent. The wine ages twelve months in 225 litre French oak barrels, a size that gives a higher proportion of wood contact and a slow softening of the tannins through oxygen exchange. The colour is bright cherry red, the nose offering red berry and plum over a savoury, slatey minerality with hints of dried herbs and black pepper. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and earthy, with supple tannin and a clean finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, with a short decant. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.